This bill mandates that Medicaid will cover community violence prevention services for individuals who have received medical treatment for injuries resulting from acts of community violence. To qualify for these services, individuals must be referred by a certified or licensed healthcare provider or social services provider who determines that they are at an elevated risk of further violence. The bill defines "community violence" and specifies the types of "community violence prevention services" that will be covered, which include evidence-based, trauma-informed support provided by certified professionals.

Furthermore, the bill requires the Department of Health to approve a training and certification program for violence prevention professionals, ensuring they are adequately prepared to deliver these services. The training program will consist of at least 35 hours of initial training on trauma-informed care, community violence prevention strategies, case management, and patient privacy, along with six hours of continuing education every two years. It also establishes requirements for entities employing certified violence prevention professionals, including maintaining documentation of their training and compliance with standards of care, while prohibiting the use of the title "certified violence prevention professional" by those who have not completed the required certification.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 30:4D-6